1965 Jaguar E-Type 'Series 1' 4.2-Litre Roadster

Registration no. PNW 642C Chassis no. 1E11092

Footnotes

Conceived and developed as an open sports car, the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the Geneva Salon in March 1961 in Coupé form. The car caused a sensation - spontaneous applause breaking out at the unveiling - with its instantly classic lines and a 140mph-plus top speed. The design owed much to that of the racing D-Type, a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150.

Its engine aside, only in terms of its transmission did the E-Type represent no significant advance over the XK150, whose durable four-speed Moss gearbox it retained. The latter was replaced when the 4.2-litre engine was introduced on the Series 1 in October 1964, a more user-friendly all-synchromesh gearbox and superior Lockheed brake servo forming part of the improved specification together with the bigger, torquier engine. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements, chiefly to the electrical and cooling systems, and to the seating arrangements. Top speed remained unchanged at around 150mph, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved flexibility. For many enthusiasts, the 4.2-litre 'Series 1' is the best of all E-Types, combining the advantages of the larger engine with the stylistic purity of designer Malcolm Sayer's original conception.

This 4.2-litre 'Series 1' E-Type roadster was sold new via Jaguar Cars, New York to its first owner, a Mr Michael Wier. Little is known of the car's subsequent American history before it appears in an online auction listing in 2015. The listing states that the car was delivered to a collector named O'Fallon in 2006 and was the pride and joy of his 12-car collection. The listing also states that the car is Vicarage modified but we are unable to confirm this.

The E-Type was imported into the UK in 2016 with an odometer reading of 16,397 miles, while bills on file confirm it has been maintained by marque specialists in Dorset. The engine is reported by the vendor to pull and drive very well indeed, while a five-speed gearbox, air conditioning, up-rated front brakes, and 6" centre-laced Borrani-style wire wheels all enhance the driving experience. Now displaying a total of 20,401 miles on the odometer, this up-rated 4.2-litre Series 1 roadster finished in a wonderful colour combination and presenting in very good order is ready to be enjoyed.